Another chilling threat against President Donald Trump has surfaced, this time with a bizarre connection to a former FBI director’s social media antics.
The news centers on the arrest of a former Coast Guard officer for allegedly threatening to assassinate Trump, with FBI Director Kash Patel pointing fingers at a now-deleted Instagram post by James Comey as a dangerous spark. As reported by Fox News, this case has reignited debates over the responsibility of public figures in an already tense political climate.
Let’s rewind to earlier this year when Comey, once at the helm of the FBI, shared a peculiar photo on Instagram of seashells arranged to form “86 47”—a post he quickly deleted after it stirred a hornet’s nest. Trump, the 47th president, and many of his supporters saw red, interpreting “86” as slang for getting rid of something, per Merriam-Webster’s definition. Comey’s stunt even prompted Secret Service interviews, though he’s not under investigation now.
Comey, in his defense on MSNBC, claimed no “dark intention” behind the post, saying his wife linked “86” to her restaurant days as merely taking something off the menu. Nice try, but when you’re a former FBI director, every pebble you toss can start an avalanche—especially when it involves a president who’s already dodged multiple threats.
Fast forward to the arrest of Peter Stinson, a Northern Virginia resident and former Coast Guard officer who served from 1988 to 2021 as a sharpshooter and FEMA instructor. Court documents reveal Stinson made graphic threats against Trump, including 13 references to the infamous “86 47” phrasing tied to Comey’s post. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a glaring red flag.
Stinson, who identifies as a member of Antifa, didn’t shy away from violent rhetoric, posting on X in February about war and the necessity of violence. He even mocked the Secret Service’s response to the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, calling it a “missed opportunity.” Clearly, this wasn’t idle chatter—it was a calculated jab at a sitting president’s safety.
One of Stinson’s more recent posts on BlueSky, dated June 11, chillingly stated, “When he dies, the party is going to be yuge.” That’s not just distasteful; it’s a direct threat cloaked in twisted humor, and it’s no laughing matter when lives are on the line.
FBI Director Kash Patel didn’t mince words on social media, calling out both Stinson’s actions and the ripple effect of Comey’s “destructive” Instagram post. Patel told Fox News Digital that Comey’s stunt forced the FBI to divert critical resources to handle a flood of copycat threats. In a world of limited manpower, that’s a gamble we can’t afford.
Patel also noted the predictability of such incidents, warning that inflammatory online behavior from high-profile figures can inspire dangerous acts. “Thankfully, law enforcement did excellent work preventing a potential violent actor,” he said, promising continued vigilance. It’s a sobering reminder that words—especially from those once in power—carry weight far beyond a fleeting post.
Comey, for his part, expressed regret for the “distraction and controversy” on MSNBC, but insisted the post was “totally innocent” even in hindsight. That’s a tough sell when a man like Stinson, already steeped in violent rhetoric, latches onto the same coded language. Innocence doesn’t erase impact, and public figures must own that reality.
While it’s unclear how much Comey’s post directly influenced Stinson, court documents show many of Stinson’s threats predate the Instagram fiasco, stretching back to the campaign season. Still, the overlap in messaging is impossible to ignore, and it raises questions about the unintended consequences of social media in volatile times.
Stinson is set to appear in federal court for the first time on Wednesday, facing charges for threatening to kill the president. This case isn’t isolated—recently, a California man was indicted for similar threats against Trump after his reelection. As Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, the Department of Justice will pursue such crimes with unwavering resolve.
Trump has already survived two assassination attempts, a fact that makes every threat, no matter how veiled, a matter of national concern. The line between free speech and incitement is razor-thin, and cases like Stinson’s show how quickly words can morph into actionable danger.
Patel’s criticism of Comey isn’t just about one post; it’s a call for accountability in an era where progressive agendas often downplay the real-world fallout of reckless rhetoric. Without pointing fingers too harshly, it’s fair to ask: Shouldn’t those who’ve held the nation’s trust think twice before hitting ‘share’?
Ultimately, this saga underscores a hard truth—political tensions are at a boiling point, and law enforcement must remain on high alert. Stinson’s arrest is a win for safety, but it’s also a warning that the digital age can amplify threats in ways we’re only beginning to grasp. Let’s hope this case prompts more caution, not just from keyboard warriors, but from those whose past roles still echo loudly today.
